Yes, there is a small surge in energy when your computer first starts up, but this small amount of energy is considerably less than the energy used when your computer is running for long periods of time.

For energy savings and convenience, consider turning off…

The monitor if you aren’t going to use your PC for more than 20 minutes

Both the CPU and monitor if you’re not going to use your PC for more than 2 hours.

Make sure your monitors, printers and other accessories are on a power strip/surge protector.

When this equipment is not in use for extended periods, turn off the switch on the power strip to prevent them from drawing power even when shut off.

If you don’t use a power strip, unplug extra equipment when it’s not in use.

Most PCs reach the end of their “useful” life due to advances in technology long before the effects of being switched on and off multiple times have a negative impact on their service life.

The less time a PC is on, the longer it will “last.”

PCs also produce heat, so turning them off reduces building cooling loads.

Clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters and radiators as needed; make sure they’re not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.

Release trapped air from hot-water radiators once or twice a season; if in doubt about how to perform this task, call a professional.

Place heat-resistant radiator reflectors between exterior walls and the radiators.

During the heating season, keep the draperies and shades on your south-facing windows open during the day to allow the sunlight to enter your home and closed at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.

Test them by closing the door over a piece of paper or a dollar bill so it is half in and half out of the refrigerator.

If you can pull the paper or bill out easily, the latch may need adjustment, the seal may need replacing, or you might consider buying a new unit.

Cover liquids and wrap foods stored in the refrigerator. Uncovered foods release moisture and make the compressor work harder.

Other Energy-Saving Kitchen Tips

Be sure to place the faucet lever on the kitchen sink in the cold position when using small amounts of water; placing the lever in the hot position uses energy to heat the water even though it may never reach the faucet.

If you need to purchase a natural gas oven or range, look for one with an automatic, electric ignition system.

An electric ignition saves natural gas because a pilot light is not burning continuously.

In natural gas appliances, look for blue flames; yellow flames indicate the gas is burning inefficiently and an adjustment needs to be made.

Keep range-top burners and reflectors clean; they will reflect the heat better, and you will save energy.

Use a covered kettle or pan to boil water; it’s faster and it uses less energy.

Match the size of the pan to the heating element.

Use small electric pans or toaster ovens for small meals rather than your large stove or oven.

A toaster oven uses a third to half as much energy as a full-sized oven.

Use pressure cookers and microwave ovens whenever it is convenient to do so.

They will save energy by significantly reducing cooking time.

Dishwasher

Check the manual that came with your dishwasher for the manufacturer’s recommendations on water temperature; many have internal heating elements that allow you to set the water heater in your home to a lower temperature (120°F).

Scrape, don’t rinse, off large food pieces and bones.

Soaking or pre-washing is generally only recommended in cases of burned-on or dried-on food.

Be sure your dishwasher is full, but not overloaded, when you run it.

Don’t use the “rinse hold” on your machine for just a few soiled dishes. It uses 3 to 7 gallons of hot water each time you use it.

Let your dishes air dry; if you don’t have an automatic air-dry switch, turn off the control knob after the final rinse and prop the door open a little so the dishes will dry faster.

To have all of your plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical systems energy efficiency checked call 1-888-9TIGER4 or visit TrustTiger.com today!